The fear that artificial intelligence (AI) will replace millions of jobs is widespread. However, just as much, in today’s challenging job market, not using AI in a smart way during the job search can mean missing opportunities. The real challenge is to harness the power of technology without losing the human touch.
AI models such as ChatGPT and Perplexity can be used to research employers, competitors, and industry trends before applying for a job. Career advisor Hannah Salton states that some of her clients have successfully used AI to learn more about companies, which gave them a better insight into their culture, competition, and market positioning. AI can also help in identifying small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to which candidates can apply or with which they can network.
In addition, AI can help in tracking changes in the industry and recognizing skills needed for a long-term career. For example, the tool JobsGPT analyzes how a certain role is evolving, breaking it down into concrete tasks and assessing which parts are most exposed to automation. Based on that, candidates can determine which skills they need to acquire or consider transitioning to a more in-demand field.
Career advisor Eloise Skinner points out that her clients use AI to discover industries and roles that match their skills and values, helping them think outside the box of usual jobs. AI can suggest roles based on previous experience, values, ambitions, and strongest skills, and summarize information about the industry or job, including career prospects, work-life balance, and salary expectations.
However, caution is needed when using AI for job applications. The founder of the newsletter Recruiting Brainfood, Hung Lee, warns that many candidates too quickly send generic applications written by AI, which can disqualify them. Martha Brook, owner of a stationery brand, reveals that AI-generated applications were easily recognizable and most often immediately rejected because they sounded generic and repeated the job description.
For an application to be successful, it is important to highlight specific reasons for interest in a particular role. Tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, and Hemingway can improve grammar, clarity, and readability of an application, but they should be used only for editing, not for writing the entire application.
Many large companies use AI applicant tracking systems (ATS) that filter resumes before a real person sees them. These systems scan documents for keywords and phrases and rank them according to how well they match the job description. Therefore, it is useful to optimize the resume using AI, but still maintain an authentic voice.
LinkedIn Premium Career offers AI tools to improve profiles and resumes, highlight candidates to recruiters, and compare skills and experience with specific jobs. AI can also help with interview practice. The advanced voice mode of ChatGPT can provide feedback on expression and point out weak spots that need improvement.
AI platforms such as Glassdoor and Payscale are useful for researching salaries and strengthening negotiating positions. AI salary tools can point to regional differences and variations in pay for remote work, which is crucial when negotiating an offer.
As roles evolve, so do salaries. Studies show that the average worker changes jobs every five years, so understanding trends is key. Platforms such as Totaljobs and Reed can provide updated data on salaries by industry, location, and level of experience, which can help in more accurate evaluation of offers.
AI can be a powerful tool in the job search, but its effectiveness depends on smart and thoughtful use. By combining technological capabilities with a personal approach and research, candidates can increase their chances for a better job and a higher salary.
